Key Takeaways:

• Gartner recently published the 2026 Critical Capabilities for Managed IoT Connectivity Services, Worldwide report, which Itron views as a helpful framework for assessing core capabilities against operational constraints, network architectures and regulatory requirements.
• Among the report’s key themes are AI-enabled connectivity management, more flexible device management and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, all of which are reshaping how organizations build resilient communications strategies.
• For utilities and cities, connectivity strategies must support security, regulatory compliance and long-term flexibility across diverse network architectures and deployment environments.

Choosing a managed IoT connectivity strategy is becoming more complex for utilities and cities—and increasingly consequential to everyday operations. It directly shapes how they capture, move and act on operational data.

Gartner recently published the 2026 Critical Capabilities™ for Managed IoT Connectivity Services, Worldwide report, offering a structured evaluation of global carriers and technology providers. It defines managed IoT services as “a market that enables connectivity, data collection and analysis, and additional decision services essential for connected solutions.” 

At Itron, we view the Critical Capabilities report as a helpful framework for assessing core capabilities against operational constraints, network architectures and regulatory requirements. When these elements are aligned, they support resilient, adaptable communications networks and more connected communities.

The following represents Itron’s interpretation of key takeaways from the report:

Device management is becoming more flexible over the device lifecycle. 

“As a key differentiator in the market, managed IoT connectivity services now frequently include advanced Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) configuration and management capabilities — such as embedded SIM (eSIM), Multiple International Mobile Subscriber Identity (multi-IMSI) and remote SIM provisioning — to support flexible, scalable, and global device deployments.”

Connectivity models are expanding to integrate terrestrial and nonterrestrial networks (NTN). 

“To close coverage gaps and meet demand in remote or critical sectors, IoT managed service providers are integrating NTN satellites with cellular connectivity. Unified orchestration platforms now manage both, offering a single interface for multiple connectivity types.”

Security is increasingly being enforced at the network layer.

“Many IoT edge devices lack the power for advanced on-device security, so vendors are moving protection to the network layer. Solutions include agentless firewalls, secure handover, and SIM-based identity management (e.g., GSMA IoT SAFE), intercepting threats before they reach devices and improving security for limited-resource deployments.”

Connectivity management is shifting toward AI-enabled models.

“Traditional dashboards and analytics are evolving into generative and agentic AI-powered connectivity management portals (CMPs). Top solutions now enable natural language queries, automate support ticket triage, and deliver self-healing network operations, reducing manual effort and boosting efficiency.”

Moving Forward with IoT Connectivity at the Edge
These shifts demonstrate the growing complexity of managing IoT connectivity across diverse environments. Itron’s approach supports this complexity. With more than 270 million intelligent endpoints shipped globally, including more than 110 million under management, Itron enables organizations to collect, interpret and act on data through securely connected solutions at the grid edge. 

Our standards-based platform integrates with a broad ecosystem of industrial IoT partner solutions, helping customers extend the value of existing infrastructure investments and add new use cases over time. By combining mesh, private and public cellular networks with technologies such as satellite, fiber and PLC, we help utilities and cities build more flexible, resilient and secure communications networks.

To explore the Critical Capabilities for Managed IoT Connectivity Services, Worldwide report findings in more detail, download your complimentary copy here, courtesy of Itron. 

Learn more about how Itron solutions support flexible and resilient IoT connectivity strategies here.  

Gartner Reports: Gartner, May 2026 Critical Capabilities for Managed IoT Connectivity Services, Worldwide, Kameron Chao, Pablo Arriandiaga and Jon Dressel, May 18, 2026

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